Watch: Christopher Meloni Opens Up about Workouts, 'Zaddy' Status

Christopher Meloni says he's embracing his "zaddy" status "to the best of my ability," even though, Meloni joked to E! Daily Pop, "Maybe I'm the zaddy of the moment. And I humbly accept that, thank you!"

The veteran star of 12 seasons of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," who now stars on "Law & Order: Organized Crime," chatted with the entertainment outlet's Victor Cruz just prior to the Sept. 23 premiere of the show's sophomore season.

Meloni, who sported a shaved head and goatee, talked about his workout regimen, which he said he's beefed up over the past decade. "I made it more leg sensitive," he said, as footage of Meloni squatting with heavy weights played.

Talking about the show's second season, Meloni teased that fans could look forward to a guest appearance by Hollywood legend Ellen Burstyn, who plays his character's mother.

Meloni marveled at how the writers of the latest "Law & Order" spinoff keep writing compelling episodes, to his surprise.

Also compelling: His onscreen chemistry with Mariska Hargitay, who still stars on "Special Victims Unit" and appears on a recurring basis on "Organized Crime." Addressing fandom's interest in seeing the two characters get together, Meloni said that "people have imbued our relationship [with something] that was always hinted and teased at. They get to fill in the cracks and crevices of who we are, what we are, and what we do."

Doing a little dance, Meloni added: "And that's constantly in my heart whenever I think of Mariska Hargitay."

Meloni's zaddy status was cemented by a Men's Health article about his physique. Meloni covered the magazine, which celebrated the 60-year-old actor's ripped form and the "butt that broke the internet."

As EDGE previously reported, "While shooting earlier this year in Brooklyn, he went viral when a paparazzi pic of his 'Gluteus maximus' went viral."

Thirst-trapping images of the actor working out have proliferated online ever since.

As the clip ended, out presenter Justin Sylvester exclaimed, "I mean, my birthday is not for another two months but y'all are showing Christopher Meloni squattin'? How did I get this?"

To watch the E! News "Daily Pop" segment with Meloni, follow this link.